Rashid, of Rudd Street, Haslingden, was also found guilty of failing to discharge a general duty of employers, contrary to the Health and Safety at Work Act, and another count of failing to put in place, implement and maintain a permanent procedure or procedures in contravention of European Union food safety regulations.

Kuddus, of Belper Street, Blackburn, had already pleaded guilty to those two charges on behalf of himself and on behalf of Royal Spice Takeaway Ltd, trading as Royal Spice Takeaway.

Both defendants, who are Bangladeshi nationals, were further bailed by Mrs Justice Yip but she’d told them to prepare for a custodial sentence.

Outside court, Megan’s parents Adam and Gemma Lee, from Oswaldtwistle, called for other food businesses operating “in such a deplorable and ignorant manner” to learn from the verdicts and “not play Russian roulette with precious lives”.